But I’ll win this dance-off, I’ll make sure of it.
Why? Because then Ava will have to come to my bedroom.AvaI tie a bandana around my hair and assess myself in the mirror. Old running shorts, a ratty t-shirt, and flip-flops. Not exactly sexy, but it’s the look I’m going for. Housecleaner extraordinaire.
With a heavy sigh, I turn away from the mirror and face my best friend, Casey, who, I can tell, is secretly laughing at me, despite her best efforts.
“I can’t believe I lost a bet to Andy freaking Stafford.” Actually, I can’t believe I even made a bet with him in the first place. I don’t make bets. In fact, I don’t usually do anything risky. Especially, not when it involves brainless jocks who are more concerned about a girl’s bra size than her brain.
Which is exactly what Andy is, my brain reminds me, despite the little butterflies that take flight in my stomach everytime I think about him. He might be a dumb jock, but he’s still the hottest, dumb jock on campus.
And now I have to clean his room. God only knows what’s growing in there.
“I can’t do this,” I groan. “I should stay and help Stacy plan the Haunted House. You know how she gets.”
“A bet’s a bet,” Casey says, smiling up at me from her spot on my bed. “You don’t want the Pi Delta Gammas to think we renege on our promises. Besides, Stacy is the sorority president for a reason, she can handle this. And don’t worry, I’m sure we will all be emailed a list detailing our responsibilities for the Halloween fundraiser.”
I sigh, knowing she’s right, I’d never hear the end of it from the guys or my sorority sisters if I don’t go.
My phone buzzes with a message from Andy.I’m waiting for you in my bedroom. You can polish anything in here you’d like.I groan, hating the way my insides twist. If any other guy had sent the same text, I would have just rolled my eyes, but with Andy, there’s a part of me that wants to follow through with his innuendos.
“He’s texting me,” I say, shoving my phone in my back pocket. “I should go.”
“Wait.” Casey stops me when I’m about to turn to leave.
“What?”
“Just, I see that look. Do you have a thing for him?”
“Andy?” I raise my brows at her and outright lie. “God, no. He is so not my type.”
“Okay,” she says hesitantly like she doesn’t believe me. “Just be careful. He’s a bit of a flirt, and--”
“A player,” I add. “Yeah, I know.”
Which is why, despite how attracted I am to him, I’ll keep him at arm's length.
“It’s just you’re so sweet and innocent. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Just because I’m a virgin, doesn’t mean I’m stupid around guys.”
“I know, sweetie. It’s just I saw the way he was looking at you the other night. Like...”
“Like what?” There go the damn butterflies again.
She sighs. “Like he could devour you in one bite.”
A shiver races down my spine. The good kind. The kind that sends little bolts of electricity throughout my body.
“I’m just cleaning his room.” Then I remind her, “And you’re the one that said I have to do it.” I smirk at her. “Unless you’re willing to take my place--”
“Hell, no. I can’t even imagine what’s crawling in the corners of that place.” She winces as she glances around my room. “But I guess you’re used to messes.”
I chuckle, and turn, saying over my shoulder, “I give you full permission to clean it while I’m gone.”
I say a quick hello to a few of the other sorority members as I make my way downstairs. Maddie and Lexi are on one of the couches studying, Tessa is stretching by the front door, getting ready for a run, and the oldest of our house, Samantha, a Ph.D. student, whose family has helped fund this place, is just walking up the porch steps when I come out.
Despite our many differences, the women have become my family. And the guys next door at Pi Delta Gammas, are a type of fungus that’s grown on me. Growing up as an only child with a single mom, I wasn’t used to being around guys when I first got here. Especially, not the kind who drink beer for breakfast and have a kegerator installed next to their fridge.
They fulfill the fraternity stereotype if ever there was one. But... like they say, there are stereotypes for a reason. These guys are all buff and built. But none of them are quite as brawny as Andy.
Andy is a jock, and as far as I can tell, not much more than that. Sure, I hardly know him, but I’ve seen him on campus. Joking around, flirting constantly, and never taking things seriously. It’s hard not to feel insulted by how easily he seems to take the college experience.